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Our Big Backyard fall 2019

Parks and nature bond measure

Brothers Patrick Iyamuremye and Etienne Byiringiro walk to the Sandy River at Oxbow Regional Park. The brothers, the oldest and youngest of nine siblings, are on their way to look at spawning salmon during Salmon Homecoming in the fall.

Willamette Falls is the second largest waterfall in North America by volume.

Parks and nature bond measure

Oct. 28, 2019 2 p.m.

If passed, proposed $475 million bond on November 2019 ballot would protect water quality, restore fish and wildlife habitat, improve access to nature

Voters across greater Portland will be asked in November 2019 to consider a property tax measure that, if passed, would be used to purchase land, restore fish and wildlife habitat and complete trails through Metro’s parks and nature system. Metro manages 17,000 acres of regional parks, trails and natural areas, and provides funding for local parks and nature projects.

If passed, the bond measure would maintain the current tax rate of $0.19 per $1,000 of assessed value. Community members gave input on the $475 million proposal, which would fund projects across Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties. If the bond passes, criteria for selecting projects would include reducing impacts of climate change and implementing Metro’s Strategic Plan to Advance Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

How the bond would work

If passed, the bond would:

• Continue a property tax at the current rate of $0.19 per $1,000 of assessed value

• Cost about $4 per month for a home assessed at $250,000

• Raise $475 million

• Fund projects in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties

• Be distributed to six program areas

If voters approve a parks and nature bond renewal in November, how would Metro spend the money?

Land purchase and restoration, $155 million

Metro would purchase land from willing sellers and restore it to improve water quality, fish and wildlife habitat. Projects would be selected from 24 distinct geographic areas based on attributes such as the potential to restore stream banks, oak and prairie habitat, or their cultural significance.

Metro park improvements, $98 million

Metro would complete nature parks such as Chehalem Ridge in Washington County, increase access for people with disabilities and maintain water systems, trails, bathrooms and other amenities at parks such as Oxbow and Blue Lake.

Local parks and nature projects, $92 million

Metro would distribute money to cities, counties and park providers across greater Portland to purchase land, restore fish and wildlife habitat, and build and maintain parks in local communities.

Walking and biking trails, $40 million

Metro would secure rights to build new trails and construct missing sections, completing projects identified in a regional plan for a network of walking and biking paths.

Complex community projects, $50 million

Metro would provide funding for public projects that also address other community issues such as jobs, housing and transportation. This program area would include $20 million to help provide public access to Willamette Falls in downtown Oregon City.

Funding amounts from Metro Resolution 19- 4988. All numbers are approximate. If the bond measure does not pass, the property tax rate for Metro’s parks and nature bond program would drop to $0 per $1,000 of assessed value by 2026 and the above projects would not be completed.

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